Cultivating Future Badminton stars: Piumika Fernando’s Coaching Legacy at St. thomas’ College
st. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela recently welcomed Piumika Fernando, a renowned badminton coach based in Canada, for an intensive training program aimed at nurturing teh talents of young aspiring players. Fernando, a former Racketlon world champion – a sport combining badminton, squash, table tennis, and tennis – brought her expertise to the school, building upon the foundation laid by her father, Dharshana Fernando, who conducted a two-day workshop there earlier this year.
Piumika’s program went beyond basic techniques, delving into crucial aspects of the game such as strategic gameplay, injury prevention, and rehabilitation techniques for common badminton injuries. She also shared advanced training methods both on and off the court, equipping the young athletes with a holistic understanding of the sport.
This commitment to badminton excellence runs deep in the Fernando family. Dharshana,a badminton enthusiast himself,founded and heads Fernando’s Youth Badminton Academy in Canada,where Piumika serves as deputy head coach. Following in her father’s footsteps, Piumika has transitioned from a successful player to a dedicated coach and trainer, holding an A Level 2 certificate from the prestigious Canadian National Coaching Certification Programme.
The impact of Piumika’s program was promptly apparent, generating enthusiastic feedback from the Old Boys’ Association of St. Thomas’ Bandarawela. Dharshana expressed his pride in his daughter’s initiative,stating,”I’m incredibly grateful that Piumika took the time to conduct this follow-up program during her vacation. It’s a testament to her dedication to her alma mater and to nurturing the next generation of badminton players.”
This ongoing collaboration between the Fernando family and St. Thomas’ College highlights the importance of mentorship and the power of giving back to one’s community. With such dedicated individuals at the helm, the future of badminton at St. Thomas’ College looks bright.
Cultivating Badminton Brilliance: an Interview with Piumika Fernando
Welcome back, sport enthusiasts! Today, we have teh absolute pleasure of hosting
piumika fernando, a name synonymous with badminton excellence. Piumika, a former
Racketlon world champion and renowned coach based in Canada, recently took time
out of her busy schedule to visit St. Thomas’ college in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka,
to conduct an intense badminton training program for aspiring young players.
Piumika,it’s fantastic to have you with us. Can you tell us a little about your
vision for this program and what motivated you to return to your alma mater?
Piumika Fernando: Thank you for having me! Returning to St. Thomas’ College
was incredibly special. My passion for badminton was ignited here, and I truly
believe in giving back to the community that nurtured my own sporting journey. I
wanted to equip these young athletes not just with technical skills but also with
a deeper understanding of the game – strategic thinking, injury prevention, and
the mental fortitude required to thrive in competitive badminton.
You mentioned strategic thinking – something that ofen gets sidelined in
favor of technical drills. Why do you believe this aspect is crucial,
especially at a foundational level?
Piumika Fernando: Badminton is more than just smashing the shuttlecock.It’s a game ofchess. Knowing when to attack,when to defend,and how to read your opponent’s
moves can make all the difference.By instilling strategic thinking early on, we
empower these young players to think several steps ahead, making them adaptable and
unpredictable on the court.
Engaging. Now, you come from a badminton dynasty, so to speak. Your father,
Dharshana Fernando, also a passionate badminton enthusiast, founded Fernando’s Youth
Badminton Academy in Canada, where you currently serve as Deputy Head Coach.
How has this family legacy shaped your coaching philosophy?
Piumika Fernando: Growing up surrounded by badminton, it’s in my DNA! My father instilled in me the values of dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the sport.
At Fernando’s Youth badminton Academy,we strive to create a nurturing environment
where every player,regardless of their skill level,feels inspired to improve and reach
their full potential. I believe in building strong, supportive communities within the
sport – something I witnessed firsthand at St.Thomas’ College.
Absolutely! The impact of the program was palpable. The Old Boys’ Association even
expressed their enthusiasm. What would you say to aspiring young badminton players
who might be reading this interview?
Piumika Fernando: Never stop learning, never stop pushing your limits. Badminton
is a journey of continuous growth. Embrace the challenge, seek out mentors who
believe in you, and most importantly, have fun! Because at the end of the day, passion is the fuel that ignites true sporting excellence.
Piumika, thank you for sharing your insights and passion with us. We’re excited to see
how these young players, inspired by your dedication, continue to shine on the
badminton court!
Now, readers, we want to hear from you! do you agree with Piumika’s emphasis on
strategic thinking? What are some of the challenges and triumphs you’ve experienced
in your own sporting journeys? let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
